Medications for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Aspirin

Prescription Medications

Vasodilators

Nitroglycerin

Vasodilators help dilate or widen blood vessels. People with
CAD
have blood vessels that are narrowed, which reduces the amount of blood that can be delivered to the heart muscle. Nitrates or nitroglycerin may be used to immediately relieve an attack of
angina
that is occurring, or prevent or reduce future attacks. Nitrates come in many preparations, including tablets, sprays for use under the tongue, ointments, or patches for placement on the skin. The tablets or sprays are used at times of anginal episodes, while the ointment or patch is used on a daily basis for prevention of attacks.

These medications help slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure, especially during exercise. They are intended to prevent anginal attacks or
heart attacks
. Beta-blockers are also prescribed when recovering from a heart attack in order to lessen the likelihood of recurrence.

Statins are drugs that help to lower cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation. They are often prescribed to people diagnosed with
CAD.
These medications may reduce the risk of
stroke
and
heart attack.

These medications affect the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels dilate. The supply of blood and oxygen to the heart is increased, while the heart's workload is decreased. This helps to prevent anginal attacks, as well as lessen the possibility of heart attacks.

This medication, which contains a nitrate, dilates blood vessels by affecting the potassium flow in the heart cells and blood vessels.

Ranolazine

Ranolazine
is an anti-anginal medication that does not depend on reductions in heart rate or blood pressure. It reduces the frequency of anginal chest pain, but has not been shown to reduce heart attacks.

Possible side effects include:

Lightheadedness

Headache

Nausea

Constipation

Potential to interact with other medication—This medication should be avoided in people with liver or severe kidney disease.

Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE Inhibitors)

Benazepril

Captopril

Enalapril

Fosinopril

Lisinopril

Moexipril

Perindopril

Quinapril

Ramipril

ACE inhibitors work to dilate blood vessels by interfering with the action of angiotensin, a chemical that contracts and narrows blood vessels.

Possible side effects include:

Cough

Headache

Lightheadedness

Increased levels of potassium in the blood

Over-the-Counter Medication

Aspirin

A small, daily dose of
aspirin
has been shown to decrease the risk of heart attack by preventing blood clots from forming. Ask your doctor before taking aspirin daily. A possible side effect of taking aspirin regularly is bleeding in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.

Do not share them.

Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.

Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.

Plan ahead for refills so you do not run out.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.